The Book of Romans, Part 5 – Hypocrisy Among Us

[Study Aired July 11, 2023]

Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 
Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 
Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 
Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 
Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 
Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 
Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Romans chapter one has shown us that we are to always look within first to understand our status as believers. Paul discussed how the scriptures are to be understood so that we are without excuse. He told us that the wrath of God will be against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.

Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 

Paul used the example of homosexuality to show us a spiritual truth of sin within us, the body of Christ. We must recognize the sin within and its purpose. Its purpose is to bring the wrath of God upon us to change us into the new man and destroy the old man through judgment.

1 Corinthians 11:28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 

In this passage from Romans chapter two, Paul addresses the issue of judgment and hypocrisy among believers. He emphasizes that no one has the right to pass judgment on others because we ourselves are guilty of the same sins. Paul reminds us that it is ultimately God who will judge everyone according to their actions and that His judgment is based on truth.

Paul questions those who think they can escape God’s judgment while condemning others for the very same things they themselves do. He challenges their arrogance and ignorance of God’s goodness, which is meant to lead people to repentance. He highlights that those who harden their hearts and refuse to repent are storing up wrath for themselves, which will be revealed on the day of judgment.

Paul asserts that God will render to every person according to their deeds. Those who patiently and persistently pursue righteousness will receive eternal life. On the other hand, those who are contentious, disobedient to the truth, and follow unrighteousness will experience indignation, wrath, tribulation, and anguish. Paul emphasizes that this applies to both Jews and Gentiles, as there is no partiality with God.

Overall, the passage serves as a reminder to us to exercise humility and refrain from passing judgment on others before we examine ourselves first. It underscores the importance of repentance and aligning our actions with the truth. The passage also emphasizes the impartiality of God’s judgment, showing that both Jews and Gentiles will give and account for their deeds.

Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

There is hypocrisy among us. We must be careful to not only be hearers of the word but to be doers of the word. We all have taken the verses condemning homosexuality and applied it to others as an abomination not realizing our hypocrisy of committing these sins within by believing the lies of Babylon.

Proverbs 26:24-26 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Matthew 23:23-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 

James 1:19-24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

Notice the wrath of man cannot work the righteousness of God. Only God’s wrath can work righteousness. Paul is warning us to judge properly. If we were to only use these verses to build the doctrine of judgment, we would believe we cannot judge at all. 

Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 
Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 
Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

We must keep in mind the sum of God’s to build any doctrine.

Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

Paul goes on to explain the purpose of the wrath upon us.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Wrath upon us is the goodness of God which produces repentance. This is one of Christ’s first warnings.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Paul continues his warning.

Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

These verses speak about the consequences of a hardened and unrepentant heart and the accumulation of wrath for the day of judgment.

They highlight that when we possess a hardened and unrepentant heart, we are storing up wrath for ourselves. This means that our persistent rejection of God’s truth and refusal to repent leads to judgment and punishment. The “day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” refers to the day when God will execute His righteous judgment upon all men.

This serves as a warning, emphasizing the importance of having a soft and repentant heart before God. It underscores the idea that our choices and actions have consequences, and God’s righteous judgment will ultimately be revealed.

Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Luke 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

These verses emphasize the account we give before God and the consequences of a hardened heart and unrepentant lifestyle. They highlight the seriousness of our actions and the need for genuine repentance and obedience before God’s righteous judgment.

The following verses contrast the outcomes for those that seek to do good and seek glory, honor, and immortality, versus those who are contentious and disobedient, pursuing unrighteousness.

Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 
Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 
Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 
Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Romans 2:7 highlights the path to eternal life for those who patiently continue in doing good. This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance and consistent adherence to following the law of Christ. It states that those who seek glory, honor, and immortality by persisting in well-doing, that is by continuing in his word, will ultimately attain eternal life.

Joh 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

On the other hand, Romans 2:8 describes the consequences for those who are contentious and disobedient, who reject the truth and instead follow unrighteousness. They will face indignation and wrath, implying that they will experience judgment and punishment for their disobedience.

Romans 2:9 further emphasizes the consequences of evil deeds, stating that tribulation and anguish will come upon every soul that does evil, regardless of whether they are Jews or Gentiles. This verse underscores the universal nature of God’s judgment and highlights that actions and choices have ramifications for all individuals, irrespective of their background.

In Romans 2:10, the passage emphasizes that glory, honor, and peace will be given to every person who works good, again stressing the importance of righteous actions and conduct.

Romans 2:11 concludes the passage by emphasizing that God does not show partiality. This verse underscores the idea that God’s judgment is just and equitable, regardless of a person’s background. It reinforces the idea that all individuals will give an account for their actions.

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.

In summary: in Romans 2:1-11, Paul addresses the issue of hypocrisy and judgment among us. He warns us against passing judgment on others while committing the same sins. Paul emphasizes that God’s judgment is based on truth and will be rendered to every person according to their deeds. He highlights the consequences of a hardened and impenitent heart, which stores up wrath for the day of judgment. However, those who patiently continue in well-doing and seek glory, honor, and immortality will receive eternal life. Paul emphasizes that God shows no partiality and that both Jews and Gentiles will face the consequences of their actions.

These verses underscore the importance of self-examination and humility, reminding us to focus on our own actions and attitudes before passing judgment on others. They highlight the universal nature of God’s judgment, the consequences of unrighteousness and disobedience, and the blessings that come from seeking and doing good. The supporting verses further emphasize the principle of reaping what we sow, and God’s impartial judgment based on our individual actions.

Overall, this passage serves as a reminder for us to walk in righteousness, exhibit patience, and avoid hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes. It emphasizes the need for repentance, obedience to the truth, and the pursuit of good works, while highlighting the consequences of unrighteousness and the impartiality of God’s judgment.

Here are the verses for our next study.

Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 
Romans 2:13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 
Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 
Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 
Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. 
Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 
Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 
Romans 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 
Romans 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 
Romans 2:21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 
Romans 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Romans 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 
Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. 
Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Romans 2:26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 
Romans 2:27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 
Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.